Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the quarter ended September 30, core net investment income was $0.28 per share, with GAAP net investment income also at $0.28 per share [4][14] - As of September 30, net asset value (NAV) was $10.83 per share, down 1.2% from $10.96 per share in the previous quarter [15] - The debt to equity ratio was 1.6 times, which was reduced to 1.4 times after subsequent asset sales [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested $633 million in 11 new and 105 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield of 10.5% during the quarter [12] - The portfolio grew to $2.8 billion, up from $2.4 billion in the prior quarter [11] - The portfolio remains well-diversified, comprising 164 companies across 50 industries, with 90% in first lien senior secured debt [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pricing on high-quality first lien term loans in the core middle market is SOFR plus 475-525 basis points, with leverage being reasonable [8] - The median leverage ratio of the portfolio's debt securities was 4.5 times, and the median interest coverage was 2 times [8][17] - Non-accruals represented only 0.4% of the portfolio at cost and 0.2% at market value, indicating strong credit metrics [9][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing earnings power through scale, diversification, and disciplined capital deployment, as evidenced by the $250 million portfolio acquisition and the formation of a new joint venture [4][5] - The goal is to grow the PSSL2 joint venture to over $1 billion in assets, similar to existing joint ventures, which should lead to net investment income exceeding current dividends [5][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about a steady increase in transaction activity in private middle market lending, which is expected to lead to higher loan origination volumes [6] - The company believes the current environment favors lenders with strong private equity sponsor relationships and disciplined underwriting, areas where it has a clear advantage [6][10] - Management noted that the average consumer is relatively soft, but sectors like government services, defense, and healthcare remain strong [22] Other Important Information - The company has invested $8.4 billion in 539 companies since inception, with a loss ratio on invested capital of only 11 basis points annually [11] - The weighted average yield on debt investments was 10.2%, and approximately 99% of the debt portfolio is floating rate [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: How did the portfolio acquisition come about? - The acquisition was part of a joint venture with a third party, involving assets that were already well-known to the company, which originated a couple of years ago [20] Question: Are you seeing any bifurcation in the market? - There is a general reversion to the mean in the economy, with some sectors like logistics still dealing with post-COVID issues, while government services and healthcare remain strong [21][22] Question: What is the NII contribution from the assets sold? - The $250 million portfolio acquisition is expected to add about 1-2 cents per share of NII for a full quarter, while the new joint venture will take time to ramp up [28] Question: How are new loan spreads stabilizing? - New loans are being accessed at SOFR plus 175 basis points, with average spreads in the 475-525 range, reflecting a focus on solid credit [36] Question: What is the strength of the underlying portfolio companies? - The portfolio is seeing double-digit revenue growth and mid-single-digit EBITDA growth, with a healthy overall portfolio despite some choppier credits [44][46] Question: Any consideration for buybacks given the stock price? - The board considers all options, including buybacks, especially given the current valuation [58]

Core Insights - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes, aiming for sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1][2] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The investment strategy emphasizes high-yield, dividend growth opportunities, targeting dividend yields up to 10% [2] - The service provides research on various asset classes including REITs, ETFs, closed-end funds, preferreds, and dividend champions [2] Group 2: Experience and Expertise - The team has over 14 years of investment experience and an MBA in Finance, focusing on defensive stocks with a medium- to long-term horizon [2] - The group aims to help investors achieve dependable monthly income and portfolio diversification [2]

Core Viewpoint - The private credit industry is viewed with skepticism due to the perception that many of their loans carry higher risks than they appear, and investment vehicles associated with private credit are often trading significantly above their net asset value (NAV) [1]. Group 1 - The private credit industry is considered risky, with loans that may not be as secure as they seem [1]. - Investment vehicles linked to private credit are trading at prices that exceed their NAV, indicating potential overvaluation [1].

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) is set to release its financial results for Q3 2025 on November 6, 2025, after market close, indicating a scheduled transparency in financial performance [1] Financial Results Announcement - MSDL will announce its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 [1] - The announcement is scheduled for November 6, 2025, after the market closes [1] - A conference call will be held on November 7, 2025, at 10:00 am ET to review the financial results and engage in a Q&A session [1]

Core Insights - Morgan Stanley Direct Lending (NYSE: MSDL) has experienced a stock price decline of approximately 20% year-to-date, impacting shareholder sentiment [1]. Company Overview - The company focuses on dividend investing as a strategy for financial growth, emphasizing its accessibility for achieving financial freedom [1]. - The analyst has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and business valuation, which informs their investment decisions and insights [1]. Investment Strategy - The analyst advocates for dividend investing as a straightforward method for building long-term wealth, aiming to share knowledge and facilitate a collective journey towards financial freedom [1].

Core Insights - The article highlights the early identification and coverage of Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) by an analyst since its IPO entry into the market [1] Company Overview - Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund is a Business Development Company (BDC) that has been actively covered since its inception in the IPO market [1] Analyst Background - The analyst has extensive experience in financial management, aiding top-tier corporates in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [2] - The analyst has contributed to institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance liquidity in pan-Baltic capital markets [2] - The analyst holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, with experience in thought-leadership activities to support capital market development [2]

Group 1 - The article discusses the Q2 results for the Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (NYSE: MSDL) [1] - MSDL is part of the $18 billion Morgan Stanley private credit platform, which is under the larger $1.5 trillion Morgan Stanley umbrella [1]

Group 1 - ADS Analytics is a team of analysts with experience in research and trading departments at leading global investment banks [1] - The focus of ADS Analytics is on generating income ideas from various security types including CEFs, ETFs, mutual funds, BDCs, individual preferred stocks, and baby bonds [1]

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund reported lower-than-expected earnings and investment income for Q2 2025, with earnings per share (GAAP) at $0.41, missing the consensus estimate of $0.51 and down from $0.66 in the previous year [1][2] Financial Performance - Earnings per share (GAAP) for Q2 2025 was $0.41, below the estimate of $0.51 and lower than the previous year's $0.66 [2] - Total investment income (GAAP) was $99.5 million, slightly below the analyst expectation of $99.99 million and down 4.5% from $104.2 million in Q2 2024 [2] - Net asset value per share decreased to $20.59, a 1.1% decline from $20.81 [2] - Expenses rose to $55.9 million from $55.2 million in the previous quarter, reflecting the end of a fee waiver [5] Investment Activity - New investment commitments totaled $149.1 million, down from $233.4 million in the previous quarter, indicating subdued investment activity [6] - The fund experienced net negative new deployment of $3.5 million due to higher sales and repayments than gross fundings [6] Portfolio Quality - Approximately 96.4% of investments are in first lien debt, with only 0.7% of the portfolio on non-accrual status [7] - The weighted average yield of debt securities decreased to 10.1% at cost and 10.2% at fair value, indicating modest yield compression [7] Liability Management - The company issued $350 million of 6.00% notes due in 2030, replacing higher-cost notes, and priced a $400 million collateralized loan obligation [8] - At the end of the quarter, the fund had $1,113.0 million in available credit and $75.8 million in cash, supporting liquidity [8] Dividend Policy - The regular dividend was maintained at $0.50 per share, consistent with the prior payout, matching net investment income per share [11] Strategic Focus - The fund specializes in senior secured credit investments, primarily targeting U.S. middle-market companies with strong market positions [3] - Governance as a Business Development Company (BDC) requires most income to be distributed as dividends, setting operational and risk boundaries [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a return on equity (ROE) of 10.6%, marking the twelfth consecutive quarter of double-digit ROE, based on adjusted net investment income (NII) per share of $0.40, reflecting strong earnings power [5][21] - The net asset value (NAV) per share was $15.03, down $0.11 from the prior quarter [6][21] - Adjusted NII per share increased by $0.01 compared to the prior quarter, driven by elevated one-time repayment income totaling $0.05 per share [21][22] - The company declared a supplemental dividend of $0.02 and a base dividend of $0.37 for the third quarter [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately $1.1 billion of new investment commitments were deployed in the second quarter, with $906 million of fundings [12] - The debt portfolio maintained a conservative loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 42% on average, supporting robust recoveries [16] - Revenue and EBITDA for portfolio borrowers increased by mid to high single digits year-over-year, with interest coverage rising to 1.9 times [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The deal environment in 2025 has been challenging, with muted M&A activity impacting overall deal flow [8] - The company noted a stabilization in spread pressure experienced last year, with direct lending spreads remaining tight but commanding a healthy premium over the broadly syndicated loan market [26][60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is expanding into complementary strategies, including alternative credit and digital infrastructure, to access new investment opportunities [10][26] - A cross-platform equipment leasing joint venture was formed to enhance diversification and expand reach in new investment areas [10][15] - The company aims to maintain strong risk-adjusted returns regardless of economic conditions, supported by a defensively constructed portfolio and disciplined underwriting [11][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about a potential rebound in deal activity in the second half of the year, citing increased engagement with private equity sponsors [28][45] - The company does not foresee significant stress in its portfolio, with a stable watch list and no material increase in amendment activity [18][66] - Management believes that the current economic environment is resilient, with portfolio companies continuing to perform well despite broader economic concerns [66] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with over $4 billion in total cash and capacity on its facilities, providing significant liquidity to invest in new opportunities [24] - The non-accrual rate was reported at 0.7% at fair value and 1.6% at cost, reflecting a slight increase due to one small position on the watch list [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Where are we in terms of realizing synergies from the merger with OBD? - Management indicated that operational expense synergies have been realized, while financing synergies are expected to materialize over the next year [32][34] Question: Can you quantify how much of year-to-date originations have come from new business lines? - Management noted that the platform has expanded into new lines of business, but the impact on originations is still modest as they are just beginning to see deal flow [36][38] Question: What types of deals are being seen in the current environment? - Management highlighted a mix of public-to-private activity, refinancing, and add-on acquisition financing as potential deal types [44][46] Question: How does the company view leverage going forward? - Management stated that they are comfortable with current leverage levels and expect to maintain them unless deal activity picks up significantly [48] Question: What is the outlook for spreads in the current market? - Management believes spreads have troughed and may widen in the future, depending on market conditions [68] Question: How does the company plan to scale the equipment leasing business? - Management emphasized that while the equipment finance joint venture may not be a massive investment, it represents a diversification strategy that can create consistent returns [75][76]